The Ultimate UK Guide to CVs, Interviews and Landing Your Dream Role
The agricultural sector in the UK has never been more exciting. With everything from traditional hands-on farming to modern hi-tech innovations, there are more career paths available than ever before. Whether you are starting out, switching careers or looking to progress and improve to the next level, it is vital that you prepare yourself properly for your next opportunity.
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists have helped thousands of candidates into their dream roles within farming, agri-tech, food production, and many more areas.
This guide will provide you with all the information that you will need on how to stand out from the rest. It will cover everything from writing the perfect CV to preparing yourself for that interview.
1. Understand the Agricultural Job Market
Take time to study the landscape before applying for any role. The UK agriculture industry is far larger than fields and livestock. There are roles in:
Crop and livestock management
Agronomy and soil science
Agri-tech and data analysis
Sales of machinery and equipment
Food production and supply
Sustainability and regenerative farming
Rural business management and consultancy
Think where your skills and interests fit best. If you are technologically minded, agri-techcould be a perfect fit for you. If you love the outdoors, a livestockor crop-based opportunity may suit you better.
Tip: Keep an eye on emerging areas like renewable energy, automation, and sustainability. These fields are growing fast and often offer great progression opportunities.
2. How to Write the Perfect Agricultural CV
Your CV is your first impression, so it needs to clearly show who you are and what you can do. Employers and recruiters often review dozens of CVs every day, so clarity and relevance are key.
Make it clean and easy to follow
Stick to a simple structure:
Contact details
Short personal statement
Key skills
Employment history
Education and certifications
Two pages is the ideal length for most candidates. Use bullet points and short sentences so it’s easy to scan.
Tailor it to each job
A one-size-fits-all CV rarely works. Focus on what matters for each role. For example:
Mention machinery or technologies you’ve worked with, such as GPS systems, milking parlours, or drones.
Highlight your practical skills, like crop management, livestock handling, or soil testing.
Show measurable results wherever you can. For example, “Increased crop yield by 15% through soil health improvements.”
Include your training and qualifications
Agricultural employers really value practical certifications. Include things like:
PA1, PA2 or PA6 spraying qualifications
Telehandler or forklift licences
First aid or health and safety training
NVQs, diplomas, or degrees in agriculture, horticulture, or related fields
Add personality
A lot of businesses want candidates who truly love agriculture. A brief personal statement explaining why you like working in agriculture to employers can be a big help. Be natural, not too formal, and let your enthusiasm come through.
3. How to Prepare for Your Interview
When you have received an interview invitation, it is simply a matter of preparation and attitude. You will want to appear confident, interested, and well acquainted with the job.
Research the company
Check the employer’s website and social media. What things can you find about:
Their size and type of operation (arable, dairy, mixed, agri-tech, etc.)
Their values or mission
Any recent news or sustainability initiatives
When you show genuine interest in their business, it immediately sets you apart.
Read Our Interview Tips Guide Here
Know your CV inside out
Be prepared to discuss everything you have written. This includes what you learned in previous roles, what you achieved and what influenced changes in your career. If you’re new to the industry, focus on transferable skills, such as teamwork, reliability, problem solving, etc.
Be prepared for practical questions
Almost without exception, agricultural employers will want to test the way in which you think on your feet. You could be asked any of the following questions:
“What would you do if a machine broke down during harvest?”
“How would you deal with livestock in extreme weather?”
“What steps would you take to improve soil health?”
There is often no one right answer. They want to see how you think about the many challenges you encounter and how you reason your way to sensible and secure thinking. Think of the various types of questions they may ask, and prepare some sensible answers to help with your interview preparation.
Dress appropriately
For an interview that includes a trip to the farm, practical clothes and boots are a good idea. For office-based or technological work, smart-casual dress is generally appropriate.
4. Ask Smart Questions
During an interview, asking thoughtful questions shows you’re engaged and serious about the opportunity. You could ask things like:
“What are your main priorities for the next season?”
“What’s the biggest challenge facing the business right now?”
“Is there scope for training or career development here?”
Good questions turn an interview into a conversation rather than an interrogation and show that you are keen to understand the business.
Read Our Interview Guide Here.
5. After the Interview
Within a day, send a short thank-you email to the person who interviewed you. A simple message expressing your appreciation and interest helps you stay front of mind.
If you don’t get the job, don’t be discouraged. Ask for feedback and use it to strengthen your next application.
6. Extra Tips for Jobseekers in Agriculture
Network whenever you can. Attend local farming shows, Young Farmers events, or agricultural conferences. The industry is built on relationships.
Stay up to date. Read industry news from sources like DEFRA, the NFU, and Farmers Weekly.
Work with a specialist recruiter. Agricultural Recruitment Specialists can help you refine your CV, prepare for interviews, and match you with roles that fit your background and ambitions.
7. Final Thoughts
Agriculture is one of the great and rewarding sectors in which to work; it is practical, innovative, and essential for the future of this planet. Whether you want to work with your hands in the field, add to research, or be involved in developing sustainable agricultural practices, there is a place for you.
If you take the time to properly prepare yourself, you will not only increase your chances of success, but you will also prove to those who might employ you that you are excited about making a career in this great industry.
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we’re here to help you take that next step. Whether you’re looking for your first role or a senior management position, we’ll guide you through the process and connect you with employers who value your skills and passion.
Ready to find your next opportunity?
Visit www.agriRS.co.uk/jobs to browse live vacancies or speak with one of our recruitment experts today.
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